15-year-old charge in relation with Traveller family feud

A 15-year-old boy was today charged along with his father and uncle over an outbreak of violence linked to a Traveller family feud which has seen “tit for tat” attacks, homes vandalised, a stabbing and a shooting.

The Children’s Court heard that up to nine members of the trio’s family went to Ballymun garda station on Monday last and launched an attack on a group from the rival “faction”. They were armed with knives, hatchets and slash-hooks, Judge Bryan Smyth was told.

The court heard the feud dated back to the year 2000 but had mostly calmed down.

However, the conflict resumed last Thursday and has seen a number of homes vandalised, a man stabbed and firearms being used in incidents which are currently under investigation.

Gardaí have increased their presence around the areas in which both sides of the feud reside, in the Finglas and Ballymun areas.

The teenager was charged with engaging in violent disorder, possessing a knife and production of a knife during a dispute, at the garda station, on Monday, October 13.

His father, who is in his 40s, was charged with violent disorder and possessing a knife.

His uncle, also in his forties, was described in court as being the main instigator and was charged with violent disorder, assault and criminal damage.

Garda Sergeant Oliver Henry, of Ballymun objected to bail. He said that there had been attempts at mediation between the two feuding factions but “they were not intent on a peaceful resolution”.

It was believed there would be a continued “tit for tat retaliatory attacks”.

He said it was alleged that up to nine people, including the defendants, arrived at Ballymun garda station where a group from the rival family were making a complaint.

“They were armed with metal poles, knives, hatchets and slash-hooks and attacked the group outside the station,” he alleged.

In relation to the teenager he said that he did not believe there was “adequate parental supervision” to prevent his involvement in further feud related activities.

The boy’s solicitor, Ms Maura Keily, pleaded for bail saying her client, who was in tears during his case, was the youngest person to be involved and was attending school.

Mr Garreth Noble pleaded for bail for the two co-defendants, the boy’s uncle and father.

He said that they did not intend to get involved in the troubles anymore and would stay away from other members of their family who are taking part in the violence.

Sgt Henry agreed that the defendants’ family had also been victims in the violence but he objected to bail citing the seriousness of the allegations and a belief that both men would continue to be involved in the feud.

Judge Smyth refused bail and remanded all three in custody.

At the end of the case, the teen’s mother was escorted out of court after she began screaming a torrent of abuse at the judge.

A number of people from the apposing faction were being questioned today in relation to other feud related incidents.